Puppy Socialisation

Do you want your puppy to grow up into a confident, resilient and well adjusted dog? Our Puppy Socialisation Classes have been designed to give you a boost towards achieving this! While there are many different aspects to consider when it comes to raising your puppy, correct socialisation is one of the most important factors that’s also easy to get wrong. This is why I believe having professional guidance during this time is key to making the most of this small window in your puppy’s development.

is this what you need?

Puppy Socialisation - a term with a whole heap of importance, as well as a lot of misunderstanding. It’s not all about meeting lots of dogs, but rather it’s a time in a puppy’s development where they are learning everything about the world around them - including what is scary and what isn’t.

This is called the Sensitive Period for Socialisation (SPS) and it lasts from 3 weeks old to around 14-16 weeks old (breed depending). By the time your puppy arrives home, you will only have a few weeks of this period left, before their brains are less ‘sponge-like’ when it comes to new experiences, so approaching it in the right way is key! 

Our Puppy Socialisation Classes offer professionally guided opportunities to gently and safely expose your puppy to many different sights, smells, sounds and experiences, along with other puppies of a similar age. You’ll be coached on how to help your puppy build their confidence, what to do when your puppy seems uncertain or fearful of an experience and how to tackle some common challenges that come with getting your puppy out and about in the world. 

Each week is different, from the activities provided to the personalities of the puppies that attend, which is why booking our 4 week package is highly recommended. Our sessions are held indoors with opportunities for some outdoor activities, while our dog-friendly venue benefits from on-site parking (free after 6pm), wheelchair accessibility and on-site toilets.  

While activities will vary week to week and will depend on the temperament of the puppies in attendance, sessions can include:

  • Confidence Courses

  • Sensory Activities

  • Polite Puppy Greetings

  • Structured Exposure Opportunities (to common and not-so-common triggers such as vacuums, mobility aids, hi-vis and uniforms etc.)

  • Human & Puppy Play

  • Structured Puppy to Puppy Play

  • Positive Handling Introduction for Grooming & Vet Visit preparation

  • Bite-Size Training Opportunities

  • General Puppy Advice

  • & much more

FAQs & Pricing

  • Classes are held in the main hall at the Herne Centre in Herne Bay; a modern, fully accessible, dog friendly, community hub.

    There are many facilities available at the centre, including toilets on site. To find out more, please visit their website here.

  • Puppy Socialisation classes are held on Thursdays at 18:30 (6:30pm) starting Thursday 3rd July 2025 and are approximately 60 minutes long, including breaks for the puppies.

  • There is free parking (after 6pm) at School Lane Car Park, right next to the centre. Directions can be found here.

  • Your puppy is eligible to join us once they have had their second vaccination and can continue to attend sessions until they are 16 weeks old.

    If your puppy has only had their first vaccination there are ways they can still attend and benefit, but they will not be able to mix with the other puppies and they will be restricted to their own penned-off area, for their safety and the safety of the other puppies, until they are fully vaccinated. This must be discussed with me first and your vet, however, so I would recommend booking in for a free call with me or message me via WhatsApp.

  • While I’m passionate about getting the whole family involved in our classes, I do have some limitations for health and safety reasons:

    I ask that no more than two handlers come along—unless you’ve got our OK in writing ahead of time.

    Kids under 8 can’t join class sessions unless I’ve said it’s okay in writing. If your child is 8 or older, they’re welcome to come with you as long as they stay with you and are well-supervised.

    Only adults (18+) can be the main handler for the puppy.

    I want everyone to have a good experience, so if anyone—adult or child—is being disruptive, unsafe, or making it hard for others to focus, we may ask them to leave the session.

  • If you have yet to pick up your puppy - or maybe they aren’t eligible to attend yet - but you’d like to get a head start on learning about how to tackle puppy socialisation then you can attend as a spectator.

    Please note that as a spectator you will not be permitted to bring a dog with you or take part in the activities, unless permission is given in writing by Wildshaped. Spectators are to remain seated unless otherwise instructed or invited to view an activity.

    There will be no Interaction with the puppies in attendance unless permitted by both the puppy’s owner and the training instructor.

  • Payment will provide you with attendance to the relevant number of classes you have booked. You will also be given the opportunity to join our Puppy Community WhatsApp Group, where you can chat with your fellow classmates and keep up with Wildshaped news, events and advice.

  • Accessibility for disabilities is vital and something I believe in strongly. Please be sure to let me know of any accommodations you require in advance - you will be prompted to do so during the booking process but if there is anything you forget to include, please email me - and I will do everything I can to ensure these are met.

£24

Single Session

A pay-as-you-go option for attendance to our Puppy Socialisation Classes.

£72

4 week Package

Attendance to 4 of our Puppy Socialisation Classes, bookable in advance, at a discounted price of £18 per session.

£14

Spectator Spots

Price per person, per session - 18+ Only

Ready To Start?

How to book.

If you’re unsure how to get booked in for our Puppy Socialisation Class, please take a look at the timeline below:

  • Step 1.

    Click the 'Book Now' Button beneath the FAQs and Pricing section.

  • Step 2.

    Fill out the form you are taken to and submit it. Please include as many details as you are able to.

  • Step 3.

    Once I have your completed form you will receive an email from me with all of the further information you might need and the link to book and to make payment.

  • Step 4.

    After you have made payment you will receive an email confirmation and booking will be complete. I look forward to meeting you and your puppy!